adj
childlike
CHYLD-lyk
Childlike (adj) means having the innocent, trusting, or curious qualities typical of a child. Example: “She approached every new experience with childlike wonder.”
adj
1
Having the innocent, trusting, or curious qualities typical of a child.
"She approached every new experience with childlike wonder."
"His childlike enthusiasm for the project was contagious."
How to use childlike
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving the good, innocent qualities of a child — wonder, trust, curiosity — used as a compliment.
Common mistake
Unlike "childish," which is critical, "childlike" is almost always a positive description.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
childlike wonder
childlike innocence
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like childlike.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more childlike
- Superlative
- most childlike
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She approached every new experience with _____ wonder.
Etymology
Formed from "child" plus the suffix -like.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for childlike
See all rhymes for childlike →Frequently asked questions
What does “childlike” mean?
The word “childlike” means having the innocent, trusting, or curious qualities typical of a child. In plain terms, having the good, innocent qualities of a child — wonder, trust, curiosity — used as a compliment.
How do you pronounce “childlike”?
“Childlike” is pronounced CHYLD-lyk (/ˈt͡ʃaɪldlaɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “childlike” in a sentence?
Here is “childlike” used in a sentence: “She approached every new experience with childlike wonder.”
What is another word for “childlike”?
Words with a similar meaning to “childlike” include bairnlike, childly, infantile, juvenile, juvey and kiddish.
What is the opposite of “childlike”?
The opposite of “childlike” — its antonyms — are adultlike, grown up, unchildlike and nonchildlike.
What part of speech is “childlike”?
“Childlike” is an adjective.
